Punjab-only power subsidy faces backlash
Facing backlash from opposition parties over a Punjab-specific subsidy, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, whose party leads the ruling coalition in the centre, has quickly broadened the subsidy to include Islamabad, according to recent TV advertisements.
The original subsidy, slammed for its undertone of parochialism, was dismissed by the ruling party's key ally PPP as a mere eyewash due to its limited two-month scope.
Moreover, clearing the air, Punjab's Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman disclosed that the total subsidy amounted to approximately Rs90 billion, not the Rs45 billion initially claimed by some government officials.
He revealed that Rs45 billion would come from the provincial government, with the remaining half being footed by the federal government.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, the finance minister disclosed that the total subsidy amount is estimated to be Rs90 billiondouble the previously reported figure of Rs45 billion.
He clarified that half of this subsidy, Rs45 billion, will be covered by the provincial government, while the remaining amount will be coughed up by the federal government.
When questioned about the conflicting figures, he said that the province was indeed contributing Rs45 billion, which meant that the previous assertions were technically accurate.
However, when asked about the source of this funding, he said that nothing has been finalised yet, but the cost will likely be taken from both the development and non-development budgets. He also mentioned that this subsidy might impact the solar array scheme.
Addressing criticism that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif is prioritising his party's vote base despite leading the federal government, Shuja said that Punjab has set the pace, and others can follow suit.
He said that Balochistan is already in talks with the central government to secure a similar subsidy for their province. He added that Sindh and K-P could also approach the central government in this regard, clarifying that when it comes to national issues, the central government plays no favourites.
When asked if this subsidy might create price distortions in the market or ruffle the IMF's feathers, Mujtaba acknowledged that the decision could upset the global lender, but stated that at this juncture, they are prioritising public concerns over IMF conditions.
It's worth noting that Nawaz Sharif, in his address to the nation, disclosed that the total subsidy amounts to Rs45 billion and will be paid from provincial coffers.
The Punjab government's advertisements, which echoed the claim of a Rs45 billion subsidy, have sparked controversy, especially since their own finance minister cast doubt on the figure.
While Nawaz Sharif was unambiguous in his address that the subsidy was solely for Punjab, the ads paint a broader picture, suggesting the subsidy extends to Islamabad as well.
In reality, PML-N's rule is confined to Punjab and IslamabadPunjab being the province where it holds power, and Islamabad being the only area under full federal control, given that many administrative powers are decentralised to the provinces.
Mujtaba's remarks add fuel to the fire, bolstering concerns voiced by Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamaat-e-Islami that the move smacked of provincialism and parochialism. The criticism suggests that PML-N should have announced a nationwide subsidy rather than catering to its own vote base.
Information Minister Azma Bukhari was contacted multiple times for clarification on the matter but was unavailable for comment.
'Wrong message'
MQM-P and JI, which have called for a reduction in electricity tariffs nationwide, demanded the implementation of a uniform tariff across the country.
Senior MQM-P leader and MNA Mustafa Kamal criticised Nawaz Sharif's announcement of reduced electricity rates in Punjab, stating that it has intensified feelings of deprivation throughout Pakistan.
"Reducing electricity bills only for the people of Punjab sends the wrong message," Kamal said. He further commented that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, rather than Nawaz Sharif, should have addressed the nation.
Labelling Nawaz Sharif's press conference as disappointing, Kamal called for a nationwide reduction in electricity prices by up to Rs20 per unit.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman echoed similar sentiments, stating that the relief in electricity prices announced by Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz for Punjab should be extended to all of Pakistan.
"If electricity prices can be reduced in Punjab, why not in Sindh?" Rehman questioned, adding that former President Asif Ali Zardari represents the federation, which operates on taxes collected from Karachi.
In response to Mustafa Kamal's statement on the social media platform X, Maryam asserted that "Punjab did not receive relief for free; it paid Rs45 billion from its budget."
She suggested Kamal discuss with his provincial government the possibility of providing similar relief to the people of Sindh.
Mustafa Kamal responded on social media, thanking Maryam Nawaz for her advice. He added that had the Sindh government performed better over the past 15 years, MQM-P wouldn't need to offer unconditional support.
He urged the prime minister to show compassion for the people of Sindh, particularly Karachi, reminding him of his promises to provide relief and expressing hope for their fulfilment.
PPP leader Murtaza Wahab, currently the mayor of Karachi, criticised the government for offering short-lived relief.
Wahab likened the relief to pulling the wool over the eyes of the masses, questioning whether the people of Punjab would be able to pay their bills after two months.
He also blamed the PML-N government for signing unfavourable deals with IPPs.